Die section swing out mechanism



Dec. 27, 1960 E, DAY 2,966,194

DIE SECTION SWING OUT MECHANISM I Filed Feb. 12, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Harry Z I a owner/ Dec. 27, 1960 H. E. DAY

DIE SECTION swmc OUT MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 12, 1958 INVENTOR. //472y 1J4 0%. k D! I air/V594 Dec. 27, 1960 r H. E. DAY 2,966,194

DIE SECTION SWING OUT MECHANISM Filed Feb. 12, 1958 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

g Harry Z? J United States Paten DIE SECTION SWING our MECHANISM Harry E. Day, Birmingham, Mich., assignor to Delta Welder Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Filed Feb. 12, 1958, Ser. No. 714,870

Claims. (Cl. 153-15) This invention relates to metal forming apparatus, and more particularly to constructions for supporting die members which are normally inaccessible for servicing or removal.

In many machines for forming metal workpieces on a production basis, dies which require frequent servicing or replacement are mounted in such a way as to make access quite troublesome and time-consuming, thus'resulting in excessive idle time for expensive equipment. For example, production machines for hemming or clinching together the edges of sheet metal panels are conventionally equipped with movable hemming dies which, in their operative'position are in close proximity to the stationary die members, thus making it virtually impossible to surfacetrue or otherwise service the movable die Without first removing it from its supporting member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved die supporting mechanism which, by

afsimple manipulation, will enable a die to be moved from its operative position to an exposed position in which the die face is easily accessible for servicing, and which will insure accurate relocation of the same or a replacement die in its operative position with a minimum of effort.

It is another object to provide an improved die supporting mechanism of this type especially adapted for carrying dies which require spotting or surface-truing by a coloring method or similar techniques requiring repeated die move.- ments, the mechanism facilitating movement of the die between its operative and truing positions.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view, parts being broken away, of a production typeof hemming and clinching machine for sheet metal panels, showing the incorporation of the invention in the supporting means for the movable dies;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, of a portion of one of the die supporting arms in its final clinching position, showing the construction of the die carrier;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the movable die and its supporting structure;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing the arm inits retracted position with the eccentric die carrier pivot rotated to its releasing position;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the die carrier and die swung to their exposed position; and

Figure 6 is a view of the die supporting arm similar toFigure 2 but showing an alternate construction of the die carrier and associated elements.

In general terms, the invention comprises carrier means for a die'such as an elongated steel member used to engage an upstanding flange on a sheet metal panel and fold such flange over the edge of an adjacent overlapping panel. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the die is 2,965,194 Patented Dec. 27, 1960 one of a plurality of peripherally arranged dies in a production hemming or clinching machine which is adapted to simultaneously clinch the entire periphery of a doublepanelled automobile door or similar workpiece. Each movable die is of elongated shape and is supported by a plurality of arms which swing in unison between operative and retracted positions. The arms are provided with shoulders which serve as locating surfaces when the die is in its operative position, and the die is secured to angularly shaped brackets or carriers, the other ends of these carriers being pivotally connected to the arms at positions spaced from their locating shoulders. The pivotal supports for the carriers comprise pins rotatably carried by the arms, the carriers being pivoted to these pins on axes spaced from and parallel to the rotational axes of the pins on the arms. With this construction, the eccentric pins may be manually rotated between a locking position in which a die or its carriers are held against the arm shoulders, and a releasing position in which the carriers are free to swing with their die away from the shoulders so that the die face is exposed. Aligned apertures may be provided in the die or its carriers and the arms adjacent their shoulders so that the die may be locked in its operative position by threaded fasteners.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, Figure 1 partially illustrates a typical machine, generally indicated at-11, in which the invention may be incorporated. Since the machine itself does not form part of the present invention, it is not shown in complete detail. Machine 11 is for the purpose of hemming or clinching the adjacent Outer edges of a double-panelled workpiece, generally indicated at 12 and shown in dot-dash lines, the workpiece having an upper panel-.13 and a lower-panel 14.- This workpiece may comprise, for example, a door for an automobile body, panel 13 being the inner door panel while panel 14 is the outer door panel and has outer edges which are adapted to be folded or clinched over the outer edges of the inner panel. Machine 11 is adapted to perform this clinching operation simultaneously on all four sides of the door, the doors being fed in succession to the machine.

In order to enable a clearer understanding of the invention, a brief description of the construction and operation of machine 11 is given. The machine has a base 15 above which are arranged a plurality of elongated stationary dies adapted to support the peripheral portion of a door 12 which rests thereon. Although these stationary dies are not clearly visible'in Figure 1, one such die is indicated at 16 in Figure 2, this die being supported by a bed plate- 17 which rests on an upright 18 mounted on base 15. It will be noted in Figure 2 that the outer portion 19 of panel 14 is adapted to rest on die 16, and the remaining stationary dies are similarly arranged to support the peripheral portion of panel 14. The edge of panel 14, before being formed in machine 11, has an upstanding flange 21, this flange being shown in dot-dash lines in Figure 2 in its original position and in solid lines in its clinched position. The outer portion of panel 13 is indicated at 22 and overlaps portion 19 of panel 14 so that when portion 21 of panel 14 is doubled over portion 19, portion 22 of panel 13 will be clinched between portions 19 and 21 of panel 14. It will be understood that the shapes and contours of the stationary dies, such as die 16, will vary in accord ance with the required shape of the door.

In order to load doors 12 successively into the machine, a loading platform 23 is provided, this platform being mountedfor vertical movement on base 15 between an upper or receiving position, as shown in Figure l, and a lower or loading position. Platform 23 is provided with a plurality of rollers 24 for receiving door assembly 12 when in its receiving position. The door assembly may be loaded onto platform 23 by any appropriate means, a limit stop 25 being provided which is engageable by the assembly when it reaches the proper position for lowering. This limit stop may actuate a switch 26 which controls lowering of the platform until the periphery of the assembly 12 rests on die 16. After the clinching operation described below has been completed, platform 23 is againraised to the position shown in Figure l, and an ejector 27 operated by a cylinder 28 pushes the assembly ofl platform 23, limit stop 25 being retracted by a cylinder 29 which rocks a bracket 30 supporting the limit stop.

The means shown in the machine of Figure l for clinching the panels comprises a plurality of die supporting arms 31 which are rockably mounted on pivots 32 carried by brackets 33 above base 15. These arms carry movable dies such as that indicated at 34 in Figure 2, the arms and their associated dies being movable between a retracted position shown in dot-dash lines in Figure 2 and a clinching position shown in solid lines in this figure. Brackets 33 are supported by uprights such as that indicated at 35 in Figure 2, the upper ends of these uprights carrying locating bars 36 which are en gageable by the outer portions of the door assembly to properly locate the assembly in clinching position. Means are provided for rocking arms 31 between their retracted and operative positions, this means including drive cylinders such as that indicated at 37 in Figure 1, the cylinders having pistons 38 which are connected to a toggle type of linkage (not shown) connected to the lower ends of arms 31. A pressure pad (not shown) operated by a cylinder 39 and supported by guide bars 41 'm'ay also be provided, this pad engaging assembly 12 when in its clinching position.

In operation, the machine shown in Figure 1 may be provided with appropriate manual or automatic controls as well as limit and safety switches. With arms 31 in their retracted positions and platform 23 in its upper position, a door assembly 12 will be loaded onto the platform which will drop, leaving the part supported by stationary dies 16. The pressure pad may then drop to hold the assembly firmly in the dies. Drive cylinders 37 will then be operated, closing arms 31 to force flanges 21 of panel 14 down into clinching position over portions 22 of panel 13. The pressure pad and arms 31 are then retracted by cylinders 39 and 37 respectively, leaving the clinched assembly free on die 16. Cylinder 22 may then retract limit stop 25, and platform 23 is elevated carrying assembly 12 to its transfer position.

as seen in Figure 1, and at the locations of these arms the upper surface of supporting bar 44 has upwardly projecting posts 46 which are secured to the bar by welding or similar means. A pair of arms 47 are secured on opposite sides of each post 46 by bolts 48 and extend laterally on both sides of the upper portion of arm 31, post 46 being of substantially the same thickness as arm 31. The ends of arms 47 are apertured to receive coaxial eccentric projections 49 and 50 which extend on an axis 51 from opposite ends of a pin 52. Axis 51.is spaced from and parallel to the axis of pin 52, this pin being rotatably mounted in an aperture at the upper end of arm 31. A key projection 53 of square cross-sectional shape extends from the outer end of projection 49 so that pin 52 may be rotated on its axis by a key or tool (not shown) which fits onto projection 53. The assembly generally indicated at 54 comprising die 34, supporting bar 44, posts 46 and arms 47 is thus swingable as a unit about axis 51 of eccentric projections 49 and 50', while rotation of pins 52 on their own axis will cause bodily shifting of this assembly. a

The upper ends of arms 31 carry a locating bar 55 1 which has a fiat surface 56 facing the center of the machine and adapted to be engaged by a corresponding flat, surface 57 on supporting bar 44. The underside of bar 55 has a flat surface 58 adapted to be engaged by a shoulder 59 on bar 44 when surface 57 engages surface 56. Surfaces 56 and 58 thus serve to locate die 34 in a fixed position with respect to arms 31. Preferably, bars 44 and 55 are apertured at spaced intervals to receive locking bolts 60, the apertures on bar 44 being aligned with those of bar 55 only when bar 44 is held tightly against bar 55.

. are in their operative position as shown in solid lines in Figure 2, eccentric axis 51 is displaced from an imaginary line connecting the intersection of surfaces of 56 and 58 with the axis of pin 52. The relative positions of the parts are therefore such that, with locking bolts 60 removed, rotation of pin 52 clockwise as seen Ejector cylinder 28 is then operated to cause ejector 27 Y to push assembly 12 through the machine, the ejector and limit stop 25 then returning to their normal position in readiness for the next cycle.

During the setup and operation of machine 11 it will be necessary to periodically check surface 42 of movable die 34 which engages portion 21 of panel 14, in order to ascertain whether this surface has any undesired irregularities. The conventional method of such spotting or surface truing is by means of the application of a coloring agent such as Prussian blue to the surface engaged by die face 42, the die face being pressed against the blued surface and the high spots on the die face, indicated by blue, then being scraped. Such an operation requires repeated tests, die 34 being pressed against the blued surface each time until the high spots are sufiiciently reduced in size, giving a substantially even distribution of the Prussian blue on face 42.

The present invention provides novel and improved means for facilitating spotting operations on surface 42 of die 34, as well as for shortening the time required for replacement of the movable dies. As seen best in Figure 2, each die 34, which is of generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, is removably secured by bolts 43 to a supporting bar 44 which has a recess 45 along its lower portion for the reception of the die with surface 42 thereof projecting slightly beyond bar 44. Arms 31 serve to support each die 34 at spaced points therealong,

in Figure 2 will cause separation of bars 44 and 55, as seen in Figure 4. Die 34 and its supporting parts may then be swung counterclockwise to the position shown in Figure 5, posts 46 resting against the inclined upper edges 61' of arms 31 to support the assembly. When in thisposition, face 42 of die 34 will be completely exposed. Scraping or other treatment of the die face may thus be easily accomplished, or the die may be removed simply by unscrewing bolts 43.

In operation, assuming an initial position of the parts as shown in dot-dash lines in Figure 2, if it is desired to spot or true surface 42 of die 34, the reference surface, which may be on stationary die 16, will first be treated with Prussian blue or a similar coloring agent. Arms 1 31 which support die 34 will then be swung clockwise to their solid-line position as shown in Figure 2, causing surface 42 of die 34 to engage the reference surface. Arms 31 are then swung back to their dot-dash line position, and locking bolts 60 are removed from their operative position holding supporting bar 44. A key or other tool (not shown) is then engaged with square projections 53, and pins 52 are rotated clockwise to the position shown in Figure 4. The assembly comprising die 34, supporting bar 44, posts 46 and arms 47 are then' swung counterclockwise about axis 51 until die 34 is in its exposed position as seen in Figure 5. The blue areas appearing on face 42 may then be scraped or otherwise reduced in size. The assembly is then swung back to the position of Figure 4, and pins 52 rotated back to the position of Figure 2. This will cause surface 57 and shoulder 59 of supporting bar 44 to tightly engage sur faces 56 and 58 of locating bar 55. Additional color may then be placed on the reference surface, and arms 31 again swung to their solid-line position as shown in Figure 2. This operation may be repeated as many times as is necessary to properly produce the desired accuracy on die face 42.

It should be noted that the repeated movements of die 34 between its operative and exposed positions may be accomplished easily and quickly, and without the necessity of replacing bolts 60 after each operation. Die 34 will be held in exactly the same position each time supporting bar 44 is pulled up against locating bar 55, as long as pins 52 on arms 31 are rotated to their maximum extent. After the spotting operation has been performed a sufiicient number of times to obtain a true surface, bolts 6! may be placed in their locking position within bars 55 and 44. The die will then be ready for actual operation in production.

Should it be desired to replace die 34, the die will be placed in the position shown in Figure 5, and bolts 43 removed, thus permitting a replacement die to be bolted to supporting bar 44.

Figure 6 shows a modified form of the invention which is generally similar to the first embodiment but in which the supporting bar is eliminated, the die itself being engageable with the locating bar. In this embodiment, arms 62 are pivoted at 63 and carry a locating bar 64 secured to the upper ends of the arms. This locating bar has a longitudinally extending recess defined by surfaces 65 and 66 which are engageable by a movable die 67. Looking bolts 68 are provided for securing die 67 to locating bar 64 when in its operative position. The die is supported by a plurality of posts 69 which are secured to the die by bolts 71. The upper end of each post 69 is secured to a pair of arms 72 which are pivotally carried on eccentric projections 73 of a pin 74 which is rotatably mounted at the upper end of each arm 62. One projection 73 has a square key projection 75 so that pin 74 may be manually rotated as in the previous embodiment. The upper ends of arms 62 have inclined edges 76 which are engageable by posts 69 to hold die 67 in its exposed position.

It will thus be seen that a novel and improved die supporting means has been provided which greatly enhances the ease with which die surface irregularities may be corrected or dies replaced. The apparatus is simple and foolproof in its construction, insures accuracy at all times, and will not detract from the strength of the die supporting means which adapts it for rugged use over long periods.

While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a stationary die, a fixed locating member adjacent said stationary die, a movable die assembly comprising a movable die and a carrier for said movable die, the movable die having a work-engaging surface on one side thereof, means removably securing said movable die to one portion of said carrier, a supporting member for said die assembly, means movably mounting said supporting member with respect to said stationary die whereby said movable die assembly may be moved toward and away from said stationary die, die locating means on said supporting member, a portion of said die assembly having a shape complementary to that of said locating means whereby the movable die surface will be in its operative position when said die assembly portion is held against the locating means, a pin rotatably mounted on said supporting member, eccentric pivot means connecting another portion of said carrier to said pin for independent rotation on an axis spaced from and parallel to the pin axis, and means for rotating said pin between a first position'in which said die assembly portion is held against said locating means and a second position in which said die assembly is released from said locating means, whereby the die assembly may be swung to a position in which said work-engaging surface is exposed.

2. The combination according to claim 1, said supporting member comprising an arm, said pin being rotatably mounted at the outer end of said arm, said locating means being disposed between said pin and said movable die when said movable die surface is in its operative position.

3. The combination according to claim-l, said eccentric pivot means for connecting the other carrier portion to said pin comprising a pair of projections on opposite sides of said pin, said other carrier portion comprising a pair of arms rotatably mounted on said projections.

4. In combination, a stationary die, a fixed locating member adjacent said stationary die, a movable die assembly comprising a movable die and a carrier for said movable die, the movable die having a work-engaging surface on one side thereof, the carrier having two angularly disposed legs, means removably securing said movable die to the outer end of one of said legs, a supporting member for said die assembly, means movably mounting said supporting member with respect to said stationary die whereby said movable die assembly may be moved toward and away from said stationary die, die locating means on said supporting member, a portion of said die assembly having a shape complementary to that of said locating means whereby said movable die surface will be in its operative position when said die assembly portion is held against said locating means, a pin rotatably mounted on said supporting member, eccentric pivot means connecting the outer end of the other carrier leg to said pin for independent rotation on an axis parallel to and spaced from the pin axis, and means for rotating said pin between a first position in which said die assembly portion is held against said locating means and a second position in which said die assembly is released from said locating means, whereby the die assembly may be swung to a position in which said work-engaging surface is exposed.

5. The combination according to claim 4, further provided with fastener means for removably securing said die assembly to said locating means, said last-mentioned securing means comprising a bolt and apertured portions in said die assembly and said locating means for receiving said bolt, said apertured portions being aligned when said die assembly portion is held against said locating means.

6. In combination, a stationary die, a fixed locating member adjacent said stationary die, a movable die assembly comprising an elongated movable die and a plurality of carriers for said movable die, the movable die having a work-engaging surface on one side thereof, said carriers being disposed at spaced positions along said movable die, means removably securing said movable die to corresponding ends of said carriers, supporting means for said die assembly comprising a plurality of arms in spaced parallel position, means movably mounting said supporting member with respect to said stationary die whereby said movable die assembly may be moved toward and away from said stationary die, a die locating bar secured between said arms adjacent corresponding ends thereof, portions of said die locating bar and said die assembly having complementary shapes whereby said movable die surface will be in its operative position when said die assembly is held against said locating bar, pins rotatably mounted at said ends of the supporting arms, eccentric pivot means connecting the other ends of said carriers to said pins for rotation on an axis spaced from and parallel to the pin axis, and means for rotating said pins between a first position in which said die assembly is held against said locating bar and a second position in which said die assembly is released from said locating bar, whereby the die assembly may be swung to a position in which said work-engaging sur face is exposed.

7. The combination according to claim 6, each of said carriers comprising a post and a pair of arms extending angularly from said post on opposite sides of the corresponding supporting arm, the eccentric pivot connecting means between said carrier and said pins comprising a pair of projections on each pin and apertured portions in said carrier arms mounted on said projections.

8. The combination according to claim 7, said pin rotating means comprising a projectionof noncircular cross section extending from one of said last-mentioned projections for the reception of a key.

9. The combination according to claim 6, further provided with a die supporting bar secured to said carriers, said movable die being removably secured to said sup porting bar, the supporting bar being engageable with said locating means.

10. In combination, a stationary die, a fixed locating member adjacent said stationary die, a movable die sup porting arm, means pivoting said arm for movement to'- ward and away from said stationary die, a movable die assembly including a die carrier, said stationary die and movable die assembly having cooperating work engaging surfaces, a supporting member for said movable die assembly carried by said arm, die locating means on said supporting member, a portion of said die assembly having a shape complementary to that of said locating means whereby the movable die surface will be in its operative position when said movable die assembly portion is held against said locating means, a pin rotatably mounted on said supporting member, eccentric pivot means connecting another portion of said movable die assembly to said pin for dependent rotation on an axis separate from and parallel to the pin axis, and means for rotating said pin between a first position in which said movable die assembly is held against said locating means, and a second position in which said movable die assembly is released from said locating means, whereby the movable die assembly may be swung to a position in which its work engaging surface is exposed.

References Cited in the file of this patent I v UNITED STATES PATENTS 17,589 Smead June 16, 1857 1,037,998 Sandfield Sept. 10, 1912 1,277,490 Schlager Sept. 3, 1918 2,724,144 Lohrman Nov. 22, 1955 

